SOA questions

[paddyp]

I am thinking about doing a SOA and RB shackle flip in the future (after I get a new daily driver) and was wondering what is a good information source for this. I have read RB's shackle inversion site, but want to know about every factor involved, such as steering considerations, pinion angles, welding specifics, etc. I have searched the forum and found bits and pieces, but I was wondering if there was a comprehensive source for all this information. Any help at all would be appreciated. Thanks.

[imported_Big Red]

I just finished a SOA and RB Shackle flip. Please feel free to direct any questions my way. Here are a couple of things that you will have to do. You will have to lengthen your front drive shaft, reroute your exhaust if you still have the factory "Y" piece and extend your parking brake cable. The rear pinion angle is already figured into RB's kit, so you do not have to worry about that. The front, do not go past 3 degrees from the factory or you will have some issues. Other issues are how are you going to mount your shocks. I relocated the rear mounts and used a custom mount for the front. You will need longer brake lines. The fronts are from Autozone from a 86 Blazer two wheel drive. The rear is a 20 inch stainless(BJ's, Rusty's and I have a source for these). As for steering I am using a flat top Knuckle on the passenger side with a custom 7/8 inch bar with two hien joints. The set up can be expensive. I bought mine used from RB, a new one can run around $400-$500. But it is worth it!!! As far as welding, well my brother does it for a living so I was lucky. The rear kit is a bolt on, if you choose. The front, well you can get it set up and tack weld it on and then take it back off and take it to a shop. Sometimes shopps have a mobile welder, you will have to check I guess. If you have any questions let me know. If you need to talk, PM me your number. Also check out my web page for pics.

[River Beast]

um... I can't add anything..... THANKS!!!! :D

[paddyp]

WOW! :eek: Thanks Big Red! It will be probably next year some time before I start on this, so I can take the Wag off the road for awhile. I just want to be able to factor in everything and be well informed when I start. I am shooting for 35x12.5's with the D44s, and keeping the QT for the uniqueness. I will probably part time the QT, so I can lock the 44s. Is it possible for the TC and the axles to survive this combo, as I don't plan on doing hard core rockcrawling or mud bogs? Also, thanks River Beast, even though you didn't write much, all your posts have helped me (and probably everyone else out on this forum) in one way or another.

[River Beast]

Yes... 35's with your setup will be fine.... you MUST go part time with the QT.... it's in you best interest so you don't frag a CV and take out the TH400 with a busted shaft...

4.56 gears would be my pick for ratio with 35's.... if you do alot of hwy driving.... 4.27's

glad to help....

[imported_Big Red]

I agree with RB. You must use the part time kit!! Sometimes you can find them on this forum. I just sold mine for $200 Sorry!! If go any bigger on the tires, you will have to upgrade you axles. Just ask RB!!

Here are a couple of gear ratio pages I think you will find helpful. I run 4.27s and 35s. Just drove from GA to AZ and got 13.5 MPG at 75MPH!!!

Ratio (http://www.4lo.com/calc/geartable.htm)

Derf's gear calculator (http://www.dfw-tx4wd.org/gears.html)

[ June 05, 2003, 12:55 PM: Message edited by: Big Red ]

[new2fsjeeps]

Look under my post "questions for river beast". I am about to do the spring over and they gave me a ton of info. Im doing it little by little, as it is not my daily driver. Ill keep everyone posted on my progress and would like to hear about yours as well. Good luck!

[paddyp]

Thanks for all the inputs, this should definitely get me on the right track.

[jhatcher]

Big Red
http://www.angelfire.com/freak/79cherokee/soaside.jpg

In this picture. You are soa with what springs (stock?) and what size tires and rim (heights and widths)?

Nice looking rig.

Thanks for the info
Joseph Hatcher

[imported_Big Red]

Stock springs and 35 inch tires with 15 x 10 inch rims. Also there is a 2 inch body lift on it. In that pic it looks as if the axles are moved in toward the center on the truck. The front wheels are turned slightly and the rear axle needs to be wider. Here is a link to a better pic.

Big Red pic (http://www.ifsja.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=013141;p=2#0000 31)